Numerous crashes reported as frigid conditions continue

ROCKFORD - Multiple car crashes are being reported on another frigid morning in the Rockford region.

Icy conditions are likely contributing to multiple crashes reported in the area of Spring Creek Road and North Second Street.

Shortly after a crash was reported in the southbound lanes of North Second Street near Forest Hills Road, a hit-and-run crash was reported about 7:50 a.m in the northbound lanes. Initial reports from the Rockford Police Department said appeared to involve up to four vehicles and temporarily closed several lanes.

More crashes were reported at Spring Creek and North Second just before 10 a.m.

No serious injuries were immediately reported.

Salt and ice-melting chemicals are not effective when temperatures reach far enough below zero, police said. Ice that can be difficult to see can be left on roads, so motorists are urged to drive with caution.

Police were asking Rockford Public Works to place a caution sign at the entrance 2nd Street from Spring Creek Road where the ramp was said to be extremely icy.

A possibly ice-related roll-over crash was reported around 6:30 a.m. on Harrison Avenue near 20th Street. Injuries were not serious in the crash, Sgt. Richard Kennedy said.

Another crash was being reported at South Main Street and Meridian Road in Winnebago County at about 8 a.m. It was unknown if there were any injuries.

Also around 8 a.m. there was a report of a van being damaged when a large chunk of ice fell off a passing semi-truck and struck it.

The National Weather Service is reporting temperatures are slightly warmer than Monday at 11 below zero. A wind chill advisory is in effect until noon with the wind chill at 30 degrees below zero.

The region is expected to start warming slightly, but wind chills will remain dangerously cold even Wednesday when things begin to warm up, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

Thursday's forecast calls for a high of 23 degrees and a high of 34 degrees Friday.